July 5, 2016 Touted as the most scenic part of the Alaska Highway, the road from Fort Nelson to Watson Lake provided an abundance of both flora and fauna. We started today with a hike that left from near Stone Mountain Campground- ostensibly to the microwave tower but aborted halfway due to rain. It was peak season for wild flowers which lined the access road path. I find myself particularly fond of windflowers with their delicate blooms. Each plant usually sports on a few blooms but the colors are so striking in their singularity. It's hard to pick a favorite but this morning it was a deep purple bell hanging from a delicate stem. We had no sooner left the campground that we started to see animals. The three goats on the side of the road were too quick to permit pictures but soon we saw a much larger group including some babies A little further down the road we saw a moose with two calves and then a black bear A dizzying drive around Lake Muncho where up and down becomes lost in the reflection of the glassy lake A stop at the hot sulfur springs at Liard River gave us a chance to grab a "bath" in the hot water. We've finally figured out how to turn off the rain sensor in the roof fan so that showers don't close down the ventilation for the dog. Mark asked the park kid about how the LIard River, which empties into the Artic Ocean, had managed to flow over the Rockies.. "I don't know" followed by a very puzzled expression was the only response
0 Comments
July 4, 2016 After days of complaining that we'd seen so few bison, we hit the jackpot. On the way to Ft Liard we spotted two bison along the highway so slowed our drive. As we got closer we realized there was a herd - 19 adults and 7 calves. What a joy to watch them for half an hour. The babies romped and nursed and the adults slowly graized. A little further along the rode we spotted this bison guarding the bridge. We had to back up to let him cross the bridge and the amble into the woods The 'normal' road to Alaska from the US is called the Alaska highway. We decided to take a different route and thus the wonderful seven day tour through the wilderness of the Northwest Territories. I'm guessing this is a part of Canada that few people see. It's filled with gravel roads and small towns often populated mostly by aboriginal people. Our discussion with one chief, while in Yellowknife, gave us a brief glimpse of the four villages he leads. He spoke excitedly about the annual gathering that his village would host this year with 300 visitors for five days. These are places that can only be reached by plane or boat - often canoes. It's a world we know so little about and it fostered many conversations during our drive this past week. What must it be like to live such an isolated life? Late this afternoon we drove to Fort Nelson where the gravel road joins the Alaska Highway. We mailed some postcards, updated emails, and grabbed provisions for the next 4-5 days. The road climbs to the highest point on the road to Alaska - Stone Mountain Provicinal Park. P where we're spending the night. Mark give this campground a 5 because of the mountains. I give it a 4 because no showers. The rain held off until we were back on real roads - how nice - and now we sitting at the top of the road with the rain falling gently. Roasted chicken on top of a spinach salad for dinner. Some yummy chocolate for dessert. And, we've gained another hour - Pacific Daylight Time. .Aren't we lucky?
July 1, 2016 Rabbit, rabbit and Happy Canada Day. We got to see the real home town parade here in Yellowknife complete with dancing teeth and souped up cars and bagpipes. A much gentler impression of the town today as the streets were lined with people wearing red and white. Really reminded me of our New Milford Memorial Day Parade. And, what's Canada Day without a fair in the park? Hot dogs for lunch and lots of smiles watching bands play and a kids dance performance that was outstanding, A gorgeous day in the low 80's
|
|